House Budget Advances Without IMLS Line Item

On Tuesday, August 26, the Michigan House of Representatives approved a budget spending bill for fiscal year 2026. Despite MLA’s advocacy to House Appropriation Chairs over the summer, the chamber’s spending plan does not include a line item for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). If a final version of the state budget does not include an IMLS line item, it will preclude the Library of Michigan from spending federal funds already awarded and earmarked for funding popular statewide programs like the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat).

Michigan Library Millages August Election Results

Check out the roundup of the August 6, 2025, election results for millage issues on ballots around the state. We are pleased to share that every library millage on the ballots in Michigan this August passed! We are proud of the library boards, staff, and supporters for their work on these campaigns and their dedication to supporting their libraries. The Library of Michigan provides the listing of Public Library Millage Election Results from 2010 to the present, including the library millage type, if the millage is new, a renewal, or a renewal with an increase, the number of yes and no votes, the term, and the year it takes effect. View the results (pdf).

Note From Dillon

As we near the end of the season, Michigan’s Congressional leaders will return to work in Washington after Labor Day. Over the summer, MLA and other organizations supporting libraries have sent communications to Congress, urging them to support federal funding for libraries. Before their August recess, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee included a small increase and level funding for library programs. Now we need to remind the U.S. House of Representatives to follow suit.

Joint Letter Urging Congress to Fund IMLS

MLA and a coalition of associations representing Michigan’s libraries, museums, and historical societies have sent a joint letter to Congressional leaders urging them to support funding the Institute of Museum and Library Services in FY 2026. 

From the President’s Desk: A New Chapter for MLA

As I begin my term as President of the Michigan Library Association Board, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve this organization and its incredible members. The year ahead is a transformative one, and I’m honored to help guide the implementation of MLA’s newly adopted strategic plan. Our collective vision includes strengthening relationships with policymakers, expanding access to professional development, and deepening engagement with our members. Each of the four strategic directions speaks to MLA’s commitment to creating a stronger, more connected library community - one where our voices are heard, our services are visible, and our profession is supported at every level.

Chapter & Verse: Storytime from the Stacks New Episode

Check out the latest episode of Chapter & Verse, Small Town Innovation, Renovating and Reimagining the Library Experience.

In this episode, hosts Dillon Geshel and Kate Van Auken talk with Briynne McCrea, Director of the Bad Axe Area District Library in Bad Axe, Michigan. Briynne shares her unique journey from spending her childhood in the library to leading it through transformative changes, including a major renovation and launching a community-focused bookmobile. The conversation explores the vital role libraries play in small towns, the challenges of leading with limited resources, and how building trust and fostering engagement are key to a library’s long-term impact.